Adult Cold Medicine

– A stuffy nose or cough due to a cold or flu can make life miserable. It even makes it hard to sleep at night, so you may end up feeling congested, uncomfortable and zapped of energy. Whether you're experiencing symptoms due to cold or the flu, safe and effective symptom relief is available without a prescription. Talk to your doctor about which products are ideal for you. Then find the adult cold medicine you need here at drugstore.com.
read more about adult cold medicine »

How do Cough Suppressants Work?

Available in liquid, pill, softgel or long-acting cough gel for non-drowsy cough relief, Dextromethorphan-based cough formulations are a great option for symptom relief. Dextromethorphan may be combined with guaifenesin in some products. This combo helps suppress coughing while thinning mucous for relief of chest congestion. Some products work up to twelve hours. Dextromethorphan is generally considered appropriate for adults and kids over the age of twelve. Talk to your pediatrician before giving a child a cough suppressant.

What to Use for Nasal Congestion

For troublesome nasal congestion, formulations with guaifenesin and a decongestant may help ease clogged, stuffy nasal passages for hours while helping thin down thick nasal mucous. Caplets for nighttime relief of stuffy nose and sinus pressure are also available. For thinning thick chest secretions and easing chest congestion, guaifenesin is available as a standalone ingredient in chest congestion relief formulations.

What Kind of Cold Medicine Can I Take with High Blood Pressure?

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend avoiding products that contain a decongestant. Fortunately, special decongestant-free cold and flu formulations are available. These products may help relieve fever, body aches, sneezing and runny nose without raising your blood pressure.

Multi-Symptom Therapies

You may find relief from both congestion and coughing with multi-symptom cold formulas. These cold-relief products combine a decongestant and cough suppressant with acetaminophen for relief of fever and aches. Also available are cold and flu formulations with ingredients that relieve multiple symptoms including coughing, sore throat, runny nose, achiness and fever. You can choose from formulations for daytime or nighttime use.

How do Saline Sprays Work?

Saline nasal mist is a drug-free way to remove irritants that are clogging your nasal passages and making you feel stuffy. When you insert the nozzle into your nose, it releases a soothing mist that helps to moisturize your mucous membranes. Reach for it any time you have a cold or nasal allergies.

What are Nasal Strips Used for?

When nighttime stuffiness keeps you awake, get drug-free relief with nasal strips that can help to open up your nasal passages so you can breathe more comfortably. Some people use them to help reduce the severity of snoring. Because they're free of medications, you can safely use them with other cold or cough medications.

Words of Caution

Always read the label carefully. Some products aren't appropriate for younger children. Others can cause sleepiness or can interact with other medications. If you're taking other medications, ask your doctor which products are right for you.